Comparison Guide
In-Person vs Online Mahjong Lessons
Should you find a local teacher or learn online? This guide compares your options so you can choose the right path for your learning style.
The Hybrid Approach Works Best
Most successful learners combine both methods: start with free online tutorials to learn tile recognition and basic rules, then take a few in-person lessons for hands-on practice and immediate feedback. Continue improving with online practice between in-person games. This approach is cost-effective and builds both skills and social connections.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Private Lessons | Group Classes | Online Courses | Practice Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $40–75/hour | $15–40/session | $0–200 total | $0–100/year |
| Schedule Flexibility | Moderate | Low (fixed times) | Total flexibility | Total flexibility |
| Personal Feedback | Excellent | Good | None | None |
| Social Connection | Yes | Excellent | No | Some (online play) |
| Hands-On Practice | Yes (real tiles) | Yes (real tiles) | No | Digital only |
| Geographic Limits | Local only | Local only | None | None |
| Learning Pace | Your pace | Group pace | Your pace | Your pace |
| Best For | Fast mastery | Social learners | Beginners, flexibility | Ongoing practice |
Understanding Your Options
Private In-Person Lessons
$40–$75/hour
Personalized instruction from a certified or experienced teacher. Lessons typically held at your home, the teacher's location, or a community space.
Advantages
- Personalized pace and focus areas
- Immediate feedback on mistakes
- Hands-on with real tiles
- Social connection with instructor
- Can bring your own questions
- Fastest path to game-ready
Drawbacks
- Highest cost per hour
- Requires scheduling coordination
- Limited by local teacher availability
- Travel time to/from lessons
Appeals to: Those who learn best with personal guidance, players with specific questions, anyone wanting the fastest path to competence
Group In-Person Classes
$15–$40/session
Structured classes with a teacher and fellow students. Often held at community centers, libraries, synagogues, or mahjong clubs.
Advantages
- More affordable than private lessons
- Learn alongside others at your level
- Built-in practice partners
- Social aspect from day one
- Structured curriculum
- Often includes practice games
Drawbacks
- Fixed schedule may not fit yours
- Less personalized attention
- Pace set by group, not individual
- May need to wait for class openings
- Limited local availability
Appeals to: Social learners, those on a budget, anyone wanting to meet fellow players while learning
Online Video Courses
$0–$200 (one-time or subscription)
Structured video courses covering rules, tile recognition, strategy, and gameplay. Platforms like I Love Mahj, Oh My Mahjong, and independent instructors offer comprehensive curricula.
Advantages
- Learn at your own pace
- Rewatch difficult concepts
- Available 24/7
- No travel required
- Often includes practice quizzes
- Affordable or free options exist
Drawbacks
- No personalized feedback
- Requires self-discipline
- Can't ask questions in real-time
- No hands-on tile handling
- Easy to lose motivation alone
Appeals to: Self-motivated learners, those with unpredictable schedules, anyone wanting to learn basics before in-person play
Online Practice Platforms
$0–$100/year
Platforms like I Love Mahj, Eight Bam, and Mahjong Time that let you practice against bots or play against real people online. Includes tutorials, drills, and game play.
Advantages
- Practice anytime without scheduling
- Play against bots (no pressure)
- Play against real people worldwide
- Immediate game experience
- Often includes tutorials/drills
- Affordable ongoing practice
Drawbacks
- Not the same as in-person social play
- Learning from mistakes takes longer
- Some platforms have learning curves
- Digital tiles vs physical experience
Appeals to: Supplementing lessons with practice, players without local groups, maintaining skills between games
Which Should You Choose?
Choose In-Person Lessons If...
- • You learn best with immediate feedback
- • You want to meet local players
- • Self-study feels isolating or unmotivating
- • You have specific questions or confusion
- • You want the fastest path to game-ready
- • There are teachers in your area
Choose Online Learning If...
- • Your schedule is unpredictable
- • No local teachers are available
- • Budget is a primary concern
- • You're comfortable learning from videos
- • You want to learn before committing to a group
- • You prefer learning at your own pace
Choose Group Classes If...
- • You're a social learner
- • You want built-in practice partners
- • You prefer structured curricula
- • Cost matters but you still want instruction
- • You're looking to join a mahjong community
Use the Hybrid Approach If...
- • You want the best of both worlds
- • You want to test the waters before investing
- • You'll need ongoing practice between games
- • You want to build skills and social connections
- • You're budget-conscious but value quality
Practical Considerations
Total Cost Comparison
In-person path: 4-6 private lessons = $160-450 to reach basic competence. Group classes = $60-160 for a typical 4-week course. Online path: Free to $200 for comprehensive video courses, plus $0-100/year for practice platforms. Most learners spend $100-300 total combining methods.
Time to Competence
Private lessons: 4-8 hours to learn basics, 10-20 games to feel comfortable. Group classes: 6-12 hours over 4-6 weeks. Online only: 10-20 hours self-study plus extensive practice. In-person instruction accelerates learning because mistakes get corrected immediately.
Finding Local Instruction
Check libraries, community centers, JCCs, and senior centers for group classes. Many certified teachers offer both in-person and virtual private lessons. If no local options exist, some teachers offer lessons via video call—a good middle ground between online courses and in-person instruction.
The Social Factor
Mahjong has always been a social game. If finding a regular playing group matters to you, in-person classes are a natural way to meet other players in your area. If community is important to you, prioritize options that connect you with other players.